Google Celebrates Frida Kahlo's Birthday with Google Doodle

If an image of a painting that pops up on a computer screen can be considered a viewing, then Frida Kahlo may be setting a record today for the most glimpses of an artist's self-portrait -- thanks to Google, which is marking her 103rd birthday by incorporating her art into the Google logo on its search engine.

This tradition of "Google doodles" to mark holidays, birthdays and other special occasions goes back to 1999.

In order to make Kahlo's birthday a happier one, however, the Google artists seem to have taken some liberties to make the 1940 self-portrait upon which the doodle image appears to be based a tad more festive -- and perhaps to skirt the need for copyright approval.

Today is the birthday of Frida Kahlo, born in Mexico on 6 July 1907, and Google USA has decorated its homepage in honour of this socialist feminist icon. Quite right too. Kahlo was one of the most fascinating portraitists of the 20th century. Her subject was herself, but her character, adventures, sufferings and talent made her more than worthy of her own scrutiny.

Internet search engine Google is celebrating Frida Kahlo's 103rd birthday with an homage to her painting, “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.” The image can be found on Google’s homepage with Kahlo in front of the Google logo and a blooming flower behind as vines encircle the emblem and her neck.

The tradition of “Google doodles” dates back to 1999 and is used to commemorate holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Born in 1907, Kahlo was one of the most powerful painters of her time. In her youth, she survived a horrific bus crash and a run with polio.